Derringer's board-track styled e-bike hits Kickstarter

Like the electric car, e-bikes continue to evolve and change as newer technologies and materials become available. But for some designers, the best formula resides not in the future, but in the past. For Derringer Cycles, 1920s board-track racers are the inspiration behind its new electric bikes.

For years Derringer has been hand building board-track styled bikes out of its Los Angeles studios, but now the house of Adrian Van Anz has shifted its product offering from that of strictly two-stroke engined bikes to that of the eco-friendly electrics.

Over the past few years electric bike offerings have ranged from a modified beach cruiser in the Juicer 36 to Lampociclo’s electric bike with 1920s styling. Whereas these bike houses appear to have used existing bike frames with bolted on electric bits, Derringer has stayed true to form with framing and handlebar configurations just like the original board-track racers.

Derringer is getting ready to offer three different e-bike models through a Kickstarter bid. Each bike, equipped with a lithium-ion battery capable of 1,000 charges, is powered by a brushless hub motor in the rear wheel. According to Derringer, the direct drive motors are designed to deliver high torque at low RPMs for hill climbing and quicker acceleration.

Starting at US$3,500 the 37 V (Heritage Series) entry model, is capable of reaching a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of 22 miles (35 km) with no pedaling. Producing 750-watts of electric power, the 37 V would easily meet or exceed most bike path speed limits. With a 4-amp charger the bike can be up and ready to go in three hours.

The 52 V model will come with a geared hub motor that's designed to reduce weight via a planetary gearing arrangement. The faux gas tank hides the battery pack under the main crossbar and the controller sits in a vented case below the seat. Power is managed through a Magura electric throttle. An Analyst E-bike computer provides important riding information such as battery range, speed, distance and net energy.

Riders get a bike with longer range and a higher top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) thanks to 2000-watts of power, but will need to add at least an extra $1,000 to the pledge level.

For those wanting to drop $6,500 on a seriously quick e-bike, Derringer has a 63 V ride capable of delivering 2,800-watts of power to the back wheel. This wattage increase gives the Bespoke Series a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and an improved no-pedal range of 38 miles (61 km).

In addition to a 6-amp charger and faster charge times, pledgers can choose seat and tire options, plus have the ability to configure the paint/color scheme on the limited edition 63 V – right down to the spokes, frame and fuel tank details.

Anyone interested in recreating 1920s era board-track racer schemes should check out Derringer’s gallery for old school color inspiration.

Derringer’s e-bike Kickstarter campaign runs until January 22. If all goes well, estimated delivery for the bikes will start in May.